A perfect marriage of old and new, Montreal combines the modernity of North America with all the old-world charms of Europe. From hipster cafes to gothic churches, this city has a lot to offer anyone who visits it. Known as the culture capital of Canada, Montreal’s fabric is woven together by its diverse people and their diverse histories. With a French heritage, this city is now home to a multitude of other cultures including (but not limited to) Italian, Irish, Scottish Chinese and Vietnamese. Montreal consist of 19 boroughs, while it was incorporated as a city in 1832, many of these boroughs were independent cities until they merged Montreal in 2002 following the 2002 Municipal Reorganization of Montreal. Here is a short list of a few of Montreal’s notable boroughs.
Ville-Marie
Montreal’s most well known neighbourhood consists of the city’s most visited districts including Old Montreal, Chinatown, the Latin Quarter and the Gay Village. Ville-Marie perfectly paints a picture of the inclusive nature of Montreal as well as its resulting diversity. In Old Montreal (dubbed Old Town by guidebooks, not locals), you will be transported back to the 17th century as you walk down the preserved cobblestone streets and admire beautiful stone warehouses and residences alongside the historic churches and chapels that inspired the French settlement. On summer days, you can stroll along the busy streets of Montreal’s 18-block Chinatown sampling Asian food fare (a result of the Asian migration from the 1800s) to your heart’s content. Relive your student days by visiting the Latin Quarter, the hub of students and ex-students alike; this district is well known for housing the city’s hipster-est restaurants and trendiest nightspots. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Gay Village of Montreal was established after the expulsion of many gay businesses from surrounding neighbourhoods. Now the heart of the LGBT community of Montreal, the city has realised the social importance of this district.
Le-Plateau-Mont-Royal
Said to be a window to the “real” Montreal, here you will find a diverse francophone (French speaking) community consisting of a mix of young, working families alongside eager students and struggling artists. The vibes of this neighbourhood is far removed from that of the touristy, fast paced Ville-Marie; this is because there are no important museums, notable sights or tourist attractions. When visiting the Plateau, do as the locals do and people-watch at one of the many cafes in the area, taking in the movements of Francophone life. In this neighbourhood lies the district known as Mile End. What was once the heart of Montreal’s Jewish and Italian communities, is now hipster-central with cafes and specialty shops abound. Because of the influences of its Italian and Jewish heritage alongside an emerging hipster revolution, Mile End is home to a multitude of restaurants (one of which is Anthony Bourdain’s favourite Montreal eateries), catering to a multitude of tastes. The best way to take in this foodie paradise is by going on a food tour, tasting your way through Mile End.
Saint Henri
Being dubbed by some as “the new Plateau”, this up-and-coming neighbourhood is seeing its fair share of gentrification. Having been established when one Jean Mouchère decided to open a tannery in 1685, St. Henri has been through a roller coaster ride of ups and downs; from the initial opening of the Lachine Canal in 1825, bringing with it a spike in its economy, to the Great Depression and subsequent opening of the South Shore Canal, that saw a decimation of trade on the canal. In 2002, the Lachine Canal was reopened to smaller boats and with this grand reopening, came a revitalisation of the neighbourhood and its people. St. Henri’s story of industrialization is now coming full circle, with more and more people setting up shop here. With the presence of the Atwater Market and multiple notable cafes, St Henri is slowly making its way onto many foodie travelers’ bucket lists.
Montreal is an ever-changing tapestry with a rich history and a bright future. They say you never step into the same river twice. With its quick and constant changing, its safe to say the same goes for Montreal.
